TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Lisboner Foods
Pastel de Belém is a traditional egg custard tart and a predecessor to the famous pastel de nata. The tarts are made with a pastry shell that's filled with a combination of milk, eggs, sugar, lemon, and cinnamon. The first recipe for pastel de Belém dates back to 1837 when it was produced by the monks of the Jerónimos monastery.
Only the custard tarts produced at the Fábrica Pastéis de Belém can be called pastel de Belém, while all the others, produced by other patisseries in Lisbon are called pastel de nata. Regardless of the name, these tarts can be served hot or cold and in 2009, The Guardian listed pastel de Belém as one of the 50 'best things to eat' in the world.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Pastel de nata
MOST ICONIC Pastel de Belém
Bacalhau à bras is a simple Portuguese dish consisting of cooked and shredded salt cod, fried potato strips, onions, eggs, and olives. A delicious combination of flavors and textures results in an incredibly satisfying dish that is popular throughout the country.
It is usually garnished with parsley and served hot, while the potatoes are still crispy. Believed to have originated in the Lisbon quarter Bairro Alto, today bacalhau à bras is one of the most famous Portuguese salt cod dishes.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Petiscos
MOST ICONIC Bacalhau à brás
These crispy, sweet treats are made with a combination of puff pastry and a rich cream that consists of almonds and egg yolks. Travesseiros, which translates to pillows or cushions, is a signature dessert of Sintra. They are produced and sold at Piriquita, the same bakery where they were invented in the 1940s, and the original recipe is still a closely guarded secret.
Travesseiros are best served freshly baked and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
MOST ICONIC Travesseiros
Originating from the Portuguese county of Ponte do Rol, north of Lisbon, this small, firm-textured, unsalted sheep's milk cheese known as Saloio Regional is traditionally served in authentic cylindrical molds (cinchos) in which the cheese was prepared.
In some restaurants in Lisbon and the surrounding area, Saloio is often served as an appetizera with a bit of salt. The name saloio denotes a person that lives in rural areas, possibly referring to the production area of this interesting cheese.
Queijada is a traditional pastry originating from Sintra. As mentioned in its name, queijada is prepared with a combination of queijo (cheese), eggs, milk, flour, and sugar. When properly baked, queijadas should have a fluffy crust on top. They can be bought at almost every pastry shop throughout Portugal.
In medieval times, these small pies were used as a form of payment due to the fact that Sintra had great pastures and a surplus of fresh cheese which was used in the preparation of queijadas. Nowadays, there are many variations, such as the ones flavored with oranges (queijadas de laranja) and coconut (queijadas de coco).
MOST ICONIC Queijada
This traditional Portuguese bean tart originated in Torres Vedras sometime in the 19th century. It consists of a pastry base and a creamy filling made with white beans and ground almonds, while the top is usually dusted with powdered sugar. The invention of the cake is associated with Joaquina Rodrigues who then passed down the recipe to her family and friends, and the dessert became a signature treat of Torres Vedras.
Since the original recipe is kept secret, this tart may appear in slightly different variations throughout the country.
MOST ICONIC Pastel de feijão
This cod-based dish is usually associated with Lisbon. It consists of salt cod that is cooked with chickpeas and typically also includes sliced onions, boiled eggs, potatoes, olive oil, parsley, paprika, and vinegar. Although it is usually served cold, it can occasionally be oven-baked and enjoyed warm.
The name meia-desfeita, which roughly translates as half-undone, allegedly stems from frugal times when the custom was to order only half of the dish.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Pão de ló de Alfeizerão is a traditional sponge cake made with eggs, sugar, flour, and a touch of brandy. Known for its extremely light and fluffy texture, it is round with a concave center, and has a soft, creamy interior.
This delicate cake is only sold at the place of production due to its fragility. Its origins are believed to trace back to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Cós in Alcobaça, with the recipe later popularized in Alfeizerão. It has become a sought-after treat, particularly among drivers traveling through the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Lisboner Food Producers
Jose Gourmet is a premium Portuguese brand known for its high-quality canned seafood products, including sardines, mackerel, and octopus. It emphasizes traditional Portuguese recipes and natural ingredients, ensuring authenticity and flavor. The brand’s packaging is distinctive, with artistic designs that reflect its commitment to culinary and cultural expression.
José Gourmet sources its fish sustainably, aiming to support the environment and local communities. Their products are popular among gourmets worldwide for their exceptional taste and quality, often highlighted in international rankings like the World's 101 Best Canned Fish.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Mackerels
2024
BEST Jose Gourmet Seafood
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
BEST Gallo Worldwide Olive Oils
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
BEST Sovena Portugal Consumer Goods Olive Oils
AWARDS
Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold
2022, 2021
European Beer Star - Gold
2021
BEST Cerveja Musa Beers
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
BEST Maria de Fátima Teixeira Ribeiro Silva Wines
Esporão is an established Portuguese company known for its production of high-quality olive oil. It is based in Lisbon and has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company owns extensive olive groves and uses modern techniques in both cultivation and extraction to ensure premium products.
Esporão also produces wine and has a long-standing reputation in the industry for its dedication to quality and innovation.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2023, 2017
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Olive Japan - Gold
2022, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013
BEST Esporão Olive Oils
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2021
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2021
BEST Queijos Santiago Cheeses
Sonae MC / Modelo e Continente Hipermercados is a major retail company in Portugal that operates a chain of supermarkets and hypermarkets across the country. Under its brand Continente, the company offers a variety of food products, including an extensive selection of cheese, sourced both locally and internationally.
As part of its product line, Continente emphasizes support for local producers and sustainability in its sourcing practices.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
BEST Sonae Mc / Modelo E Continente Hipermercados Cheeses
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2021
BEST Francisco Rocha Pires Lda. Olive Oils
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Lisboner Food Products
Filetes de Cavala from José Gourmet, a Portuguese delicacy, are known for their high-quality Atlantic mackerel preserved in olive oil. These mackerel fillets are sustainably sourced and packed with rich nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, enhancing their health benefits.
José Gourmet emphasizes traditional canning methods combined with innovative packaging, featuring artwork inspired by Portuguese culture. The product’s mild, slightly briny flavor and delicate texture make it popular both as a standalone snack and as an ingredient in Mediterranean dishes.
AWARDS
World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Mackerels
2024
Gallo Colheita Ao Luar Moonlight Harvest is a unique wine offering by Gallo Worldwide, known for its meticulous production process. This wine is harvested during the night, a technique believed to better preserve the grapes' fresh and delicate flavors.
The cooler nighttime temperatures help maintain the acidity and enhance the aromatic profile of the wine. Gallo Worldwide is committed to quality, and this product reflects their dedication to combining traditional methods with innovative techniques to create a superior wine experience.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2019
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2018, 2016, 2014
Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold
2017, 2015
AWARDS
OLIVINUS - TOP 20 OLIVINUS 2022
2022
OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro
2022
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2021
Jose Gourmet Smoked Small Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil provide an unforgettable tasting experience. These small sardines are carefully smoked, giving them a rich and deep flavor, and are then immersed in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which further enhances their natural character.
They are an excellent combination of traditional Portuguese cuisine and sophisticated taste. The packaging, featuring artistic designs by Portuguese artists, makes it a perfect gift for fine food enthusiasts. They are ideal for enjoying as a snack, paired with wine, or as part of a luxurious tapas platter.
Gallo Azeite Novo Colheita 2021-2022 is an extra virgin olive oil crafted by Gallo Worldwide, a renowned company in the olive oil industry. This product is known for its exceptional quality and is made from freshly harvested olives from the 2021-2022 season.
The flavor profile typically features a balanced taste with hints of fresh olives, providing a rich and aromatic experience that elevates various culinary dishes.
AWARDS
OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro
2022
AWARDS
European Beer Star - Gold
2021
Olieira Da Serra Seleccao Ouro is an extra virgin olive oil produced by Sovena Portugal Consumer Goods S. A., a well-known company in the olive oil industry. This product is renowned for its high quality and superior taste, which is achieved through a meticulous selection of the finest olives.
The Seleccao Ouro is often praised for its rich, fruity flavor with a balanced bitterness and spiciness, making it ideal for both cooking and finishing dishes.
AWARDS
OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro
2018
Oliviera Da Serra 1° Colheita is a premium olive oil produced by Sovena Portugal Consumer Goods S. A. This product is known for its high quality, derived from the first cold pressing of selected olives. The oil is characterized by its rich, fruity flavor profile, and is often described as having a well-balanced taste with hints of green apple, almond, and fresh herbs.
It is typically packaged in elegant bottles designed to preserve the oil's freshness and aromatic qualities. The brand emphasizes sustainability and traditional cultivation methods, ensuring that the olives are harvested at the optimal time for peak flavor and nutritional value.
AWARDS
OLIVINUS - Prestigio Oro
2018
Olieira Da Serra Lagar Do Marmelo is a premium olive oil product made by Sovena Portugal Consumer Goods S. A. This olive oil is known for its exceptional quality and is produced from carefully selected olives. It's often praised for its rich and complex flavor profile, making it a popular choice among culinary enthusiasts.
Sovena focuses on maintaining high standards for both the sourcing of olives and the production processes.
AWARDS
OLIVINUS - Prestigio Oro
2018
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 98 Lisboner Foods” list until June 01, 2025, 2,215 ratings were recorded, of which 1,594 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.